How to Stop Receiving Pre-Screened Credit Offers

In a fast-paced world of credit cards, commercials are bombarding us with the idea that our cash is no good anymore. Regardless of how good or bad your credit is, credit offers continue arriving, tempting us further into debt. You can find relief from the credit offers that fill your mailbox daily by following these opt-out steps.

Instructions

1. Read the fine print. Most people throw out or shred credit offers when they come in the mail, but if you take a moment to open and read them, there is information included on how to opt out of future offers.

2. Contact the four major credit bureaus. You can write to each one of them (Equifax, Transunion, Experian and the new one, Innovis) and request that your name not be included in credit offers.

3. Call 1-888-5-OPTOUT to opt out of all four credit bureaus with one call. The call starts with a message about an Internet email going around, to skip this select option 2. Then select option 2 again to opt out permanently. Option 1 only opts you out for two years.

4. Visit the opt-out website (see Resources). You can find out additional information about opting out at the website.

5. Call your local financial institution. If you receive pre-screened offers from a bank or financial institution you already use, call them to opt out.

Tips & Warnings

• If you and your spouse have any loans together, you will continue to receive pre-screened offers for both of you, unless you both opt out.

• Pre-screened offers or opting out does not affect your credit score negatively or otherwise.

Resources

• Federal Trade Commission
• Opt Out Website